Informant 2013

Documentary

Box Office

$10K

Runtime

81 min

Language

English

Directed by

Jamie Meltzer

Made by

Music Box Films

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Informant (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brandon Darby emerged as a daring and impactful activist, co-founding the relief organization Common Ground. He was known for his fearless nature, often plunging into toxic floodwaters to save stranded friends in the Ninth Ward. His unique blend of charm and audacity turned him into a grassroots champion for many on the left side of the political spectrum. However, the tides turned dramatically in 2008, when two young individuals were detained for attempting to disrupt the Republican National Convention. At this pivotal moment, Darby, acting as an FBI informant, infiltrated the protest group and played a significant role in their apprehension. This transformation of Darby into a controversial figure creates both admiration and disdain; he is perceived as a hero by some, like the Tea Party, while others, particularly his former allies, view him with contempt. Through the lens of filmmaker Jamie Meltzer, the documentary INFORMANT intricately explores the deeper truths behind Darby’s choices, featuring compelling interviews with key figures and stylized reenactments. This remarkable film allows Darby to openly reflect on his complex actions and motives, presenting a captivating narrative that challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of activism and loyalty.

Timeline

Track the key events of Informant (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Hurricane Katrina Strikes

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall, causing catastrophic damage across the Gulf Coast, particularly in New Orleans. The disaster rendered many communities homeless and in desperate need of assistance, setting the stage for activism in the aftermath.

August 2005 New Orleans, Louisiana

Co-founding Common Ground

Following the devastation caused by the hurricane, Brandon Darby co-founded the relief organization Common Ground. This organization aimed to provide grassroots support and assistance to the affected communities, showcasing the collective effort of volunteers to rebuild lives.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Rescue Efforts in Toxic Floodwaters

Brandon Darby became renowned for his courageous acts, often wading into toxic floodwaters to rescue stranded individuals. His fearless dedication solidified his reputation as a grassroots champion and showcased his commitment to helping those in need.

Ninth Ward, New Orleans

Rise as an Activist

Darby’s distinct blend of charm and audacity propelled him into the spotlight as an influential activist for many, particularly among progressive circles. His unwavering resolve inspired numerous others to join in the efforts to aid communities devastated by the hurricane.

Shift in Allegiance

In 2008, a pivotal moment arose when two young activists were detained while attempting to disrupt the Republican National Convention. This incident marked a significant turning point in Darby's life, altering both his affiliations and the public's perception of him.

2008 St. Paul, Minnesota

Acting as an FBI Informant

In an unexpected twist, Brandon Darby agreed to act as an FBI informant, infiltrating the protest group planning to disrupt the convention. His actions led to the apprehension of the young activists, drawing both admiration and controversy.

2008 St. Paul, Minnesota

Public Backlash and Controversy

As news of his informant activities spread, Darby faced severe backlash from former allies and activists. While some lauded him for his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, many viewed him as a traitor, tarnishing his previous heroic image.

Admiration from the Tea Party

Contrastingly, Darby’s actions garnered admiration from groups like the Tea Party, who viewed him as a hero for his controversial decisions. This division illustrated the complex landscape of activism and policing in America during turbulent political times.

Filmmaker Jamie Meltzer's Exploration

Filmmaker Jamie Meltzer sought to delve deeper into Darby's controversial narrative through the documentary INFORMANT. The film presents a nuanced exploration of Darby's motivations, choices, and the consequences of his actions on both personal and political fronts.

Reflections and Insights

Throughout INFORMANT, Brandon Darby openly discusses his complex reasoning behind his actions as an informant. The film challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of activism and loyalty, ultimately sparking broader discussions about the nature of resistance.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Informant (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Brandon Darby

Brandon Darby emerges as a multi-faceted character, showcasing both bravery and controversial choices. He is depicted as a driven activist, initially dedicated to aiding those affected by Hurricane Katrina. However, his later role as an informant complicates his legacy, leading to a complex interplay of admiration and disdain from his peers.

🌟 Activist 🕵️ Informant

Setting

Uncover the settings of Informant (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

2005, 2008

The movie spans significant years, beginning with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which uncovered deep societal challenges and prompted a surge of activism. By 2008, tensions escalated as a protest against the Republican National Convention emerged, leading to pivotal events that tested allegiances and revealed contrasting political views.

Location

Ninth Ward, Hurricane Katrina

The Ninth Ward is a historic neighborhood in New Orleans, known for its rich culture and community spirit. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it became a symbol of resilience amidst devastation, as many activists flocked to aid the displaced residents. The area is often associated with themes of struggle and recovery, making it a focal point for grassroots movements.

🏙️ City 🌊 Disaster

Themes

Explore the core themes of Informant (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

⚖️

Activism

Activism plays a central role in the film, as it highlights the journey of Brandon Darby from a grassroots hero to a controversial informant. His actions depict the fine line between loyalty and betrayal, revealing the complexities inherent in social justice movements. The film invites viewers to reflect on the motivations behind activism and the shifting perceptions of individuals within the political landscape.

💔

Betrayal

The theme of betrayal is poignantly explored through Darby's transformation into an FBI informant, drawing a stark contrast between his past heroism and present actions. This narrative of betrayal not only affects Darby's relationships but also shakes the foundation of the activist community he once championed. The film challenges the audience to grapple with the moral implications of such decisions.